i didn't see it. but we shouldn't complain about ages. after all tara was (grandfathered in by being too young). all the youngsters we have. we just take it for granted their that age . but do we really know especially for other countries outside us, maybe even canada. just fudging by a few months makes a difference in whether the athelete is elligible or not. figures skating by 1st of july, who knows back in the past--they wasn't officially age elligible so they fudge by a few months to make them elligible. only we didn't know it. they didn't cover it. i find it interesting nytimes did it about Chinese(asian) and no other country. maybe the others covered it better that is all. i find it interesting that it is okay for the US to cheat but not other countries. well that is the ny times and us for you. do as we say not as we do. US will do whatever it takes to win -even cheat. you end justifies means.
also with all the supposed injuries the us girls have, they can be (juiced) take coritizone shots and be legitate to help the chances at gold for a team medal.
it is okay as long as the federation, ioc, head of gymastics knows about it ahead of time. so let the Cheating begins.

A fall is .8 deduction (Im pretty sure) In gymnastics that is a huge hit depending on what the start value was.

Okay.

Thank goodness nastia had a rediculous start value for bars.?17 The rest of her routine was so perfect she was able to make the final. I have never seen her fall on her dismount in competition. She even has "artistry" on bars. Check out her perfectly straight body and her toes.

Yes, Nastia has noticeably better artistry than the other gymnasts. How is artisty supposed to affect the scores? Somewhat related, I wish I knew more about acrobatics.

Artistry is in the 2nd mark or execution score. It is admired by judges, but it seems that difficulty will always prevail. If you can have high start values on most of your routines, hit them and have better presentation it will help. You will see girls who dont look as elegant win because of difficulty.and power. They love power in gymnastics. (Kind of like they love Kostners speed!) Gymnasts are FIERCE.

Also, if anyone has the chance check out Rhythmic gymnastics at the olympics. It has funky judging with the code of points, but has WONDERFUL dance and athleticism. Also, the dresses are AMAZING These young women give new meaning to flexibility.

Gymnast Thread

Yesterday afternoon I watched an interview with Bela Kyroli who was discussing the underage Chinese girls. He stated that it is a well-known fact among the gymnastic community that the Chinese are using falsified passports. He said nothing has been done about it that the authorities ignore it. When the Chinese have been approached regarding this issue they will not respond. They remain silent and will not discuss it. His opinion is that the age restriction should be lifted. He personally doesn't feel there should be an age restriction in the first place. His point of view is that his objection is not against the Chinese but rather it's unfair when other countries DO adhere to the age rule as it may be keeping their best gymnast from competing. That's the point that I find unfair.

Finding fault with the U.S. and bringing up Tara Lipinski has nothing to do with this issue. It looks to me like the women and men representing the U. S. in gymnastics at this Olympics are age appropriate.

Yesterday afternoon I watched an interview with Bela Kyroli who was discussing the underage Chinese girls. He stated that it is a well-known fact among the gymnastic community that the Chinese are using falsified passports. He said nothing has been done about it that the authorities ignore it. When the Chinese have been approached regarding this issue they will not respond. They remain silent and will not discuss it. His opinion is that the age restriction should be lifted. He personally doesn't feel there should be an age restriction in the first place. His point of view is that his objection is not against the Chinese but rather it's unfair when other countries DO adhere to the age rule as it may be keeping their best gymnast from competing. That's the point that I find unfair.

Finding fault with the U.S. and bringing up Tara Lipinski has nothing to do with this issue. It looks to me like the women and men representing the U. S. in gymnastics at this Olympics are age appropriate.

Dizzy

Well said, Dizzy. All the USA gymnastics commentators and figure skating commentators have gone on record stating they feel that all gymnastics and figure skating championships should be open to all ages with the belief that if these young athletes from all around the world have the skill and desire to compete, they should be able to do so. They are training these difficult elements every day in their practices and competing them at their Nationals and on the Grand Prix circuit, so what's the difference from doing it at Worlds and Olympics? The risk in getting hurt in sports exists for ALL ages who participate. The advanced skaters can rely on their experience and wisdom while the younger skaters can rely on their carefree exuberance and fearlessness, so there are advantages to competing "young" and "old."

In Tara's time, the strict age regulations were not in place by the ISU, so for anyone to bring her up in this discussion is a moot point. It was perfectly within the rules for a 13 year old Michelle Kwan to compete in the 1994 Worlds, for a 13 year old Tara Lipinski to compete in the 1996 Worlds, and for a 13 year old Sarah Hughes to compete in the 1999 Worlds.

I agree with Dick and Peggy that the real problem exists in the grueling schedule that many of the figure skaters compete under. Doing up to 10 competitions in 1 season is a really tall order for a lot of these athletes. It's really gotten out of control!